1. Mild sleep problems linked to elevated blood pressure and risk for heart disease
A new study shows that even mild sleep issues, such as trouble falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night can not only cause elevated blood pressure but also vascular endothelial inflammation, which contributes to heart disease. These findings were even true for women sleeping up to 9 hours a night, which shows that quality of sleep may be just as if not more important than quantity. (Forbes)
2. A high-fat high-sugar diet linked to Alzheimer’s Disease
A new study published in the journal Physiological Reports revealed that a high fat, high sugar diet fed to mice increased insulin resistance, cellular stress, inflammation parts of the hippocampus which is believed to play a role in Alzheimer’s Disease. (Newsweek)
3. A single instance of heading a soccer ball may cause cognitive decline in youth
A new study presented last month at the annual convention of the American College of Sports Medicine presented a study showing memory and information processing decline in kids who head a soccer ball just one time. (NYT)
4. Stress disorders such as PTSD tied to autoimmune conditions
Stress reduction is on most medical and health professional’s prescriptions these days and for good reason. A 10-year study of over 100,000 people with severe stress conditions, has found that those with a stress-related disorder “were 36 percent more likely to have an autoimmune disease, and 29 percent more likely than their unstressed siblings. People with a PTSD diagnosis were at especially high risk — they were 46 percent more likely to develop an autoimmune illness.” (NYT)
5. Why alcohol is not a good choice after a workout
Not only is alcohol a diuretic which promotes fluid loss and further dehydration after a workout, but it interferes with all aspects of post-exercise recovery. It slows down muscle recovery, opens up blood vessels that can cause swelling at injury sites, can lead to eating less nutritious food and slows down the restoration of energy stores in the muscles. (The Conversation)
6. One night of heavy drinking could permanently alter the gene responsible for sleep
Researchers from the University of Columbia-Missouri studied the effects of binge drinking on mice and found that just one night of heavy drinking altered the gene responsible for sleep, causing sleep disturbances. The study also showed a significant increase in non-rapid eye movement sleep and a lack of increase in the sleep-promoting chemical adenosine. (Science Daily)
7. Overload training may not improve physical performance as originally thought
A new study out of the University of Guelph reported that athletes who followed a regular training regimen without overload training experienced greater improvements in physical performance than those that utilized overload training. This study was conducted over three weeks and involved recreational triathletes and cyclists. (Science Daily)
